Pouch with spout

0001This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/411,908, filed Sep. 19, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002The present invention pertains to improved methods and apparatus for packaging, and, in particular, to improved containers which include a sliding element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0003It is an object of the invention to provide a reclosable slider container that has improved means for pouring the contents of the container.

0004One embodiment of the invention might involve a flexible reclosable container having a flat bottom upon which the container can stand upright. The container has a side in which there is formed a foldable gusset and also has a mouth. There is a pair of interlockable fastener strips mounted on the mouth of the container with the strips being joined together at one end and separable at the other end. The gusset is unfoldable to an exterior position when the strips are separated to form a spout for pouring the contents from the interior of the container.

0005Another embodiment of the invention might involve a container comprising nonrigid sheet material formed to have a mouth, having first and second sides. The mouth also has first and second ends. A first fastener strip is attached to the sheet material at the first side of the mouth. The first strip has a first end and a second end with the first end of the first strip attached at the first end of the mouth. A second fastener strip is attached to the sheet material at the second side of the mouth. The second strip has a first end and a second end with a first end of the second strip attached to the first end of the mouth. The first strip and the second strip are capable of releasable connection to each other. A slider is received on the strips and is movable in a first direction toward the first end of the mouth to connect the first strip to the second strip and is movable in a second direction toward the second end of the mouth to disconnect the first strip from the second strip. The first end of the first strip is not attached to the first end of the second strip. The sheet of material forms a gusset at the first end of the mouth.

0006Still another embodiment of the invention involves a flexible, reclosable container having a pair of side walls forming a mouth having first and second sides. The mouth has first and second ends. A first interlockable profile is attached proximate a first side of the mouth with the first profile having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first profile is attached proximate the first end of the mouth. A second interlockable profile is attached proximate a second side of the mouth. The second profile has a first end and a second end with the first end of the second profile being attached proximate the first end of said mouth. The first profile and the second profile are adapted and configured to releasably interlock with each other. There is provided a slider, slidingly coupled to the first profile and the second profile such that sliding the slider in a first direction toward the first end of mouth interlocks said first profile to said second profile. And sliding said slider in a second direction toward the second end of the mouth unlocks the first profile from the second profile. The first end of the first profile is not attached to the first end of the second profile and one of the first end of the first profile or the first end of the second profile includes an end stop for limiting the movement of the slider in the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a side plan view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a top plan view of the apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as taken along lines <b>2</b>—<b>2</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as taken along lines <b>3</b>—<b>3</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a cross sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> as taken along line <b>4</b>—<b>4</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side plan view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a top plan view of the apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> as taken along lines <b>7</b>—<b>7</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> in the direction of the arrows.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> as taken along lines <b>8</b>—<b>8</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an end elevational view of the slidable cutter of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> as taken along line <b>10</b>—<b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> in the direction of the arrows.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> as taken along line <b>11</b>—<b>11</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> in the direction of the arrows.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an end elevational view of the slidable cutter of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> as taken along line <b>13</b>—<b>13</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> in the direction of the arrows.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a top plan view of the slidable cutter of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> as taken along line <b>14</b>—<b>14</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> in the direction of the arrows.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a cross sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> as taken along line <b>15</b>—<b>15</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> in the direction of the arrows.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a front, side and top perspective view of a reclosable container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows the container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> in the opened state.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> of a slidable cutter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a perspective view similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> of a further embodiment of the invention.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20</figref>, <b>21</b> and <b>22</b> are perspective views similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> of still further embodiments of the invention.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the structure of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a vertical section taken along the line <b>24</b>—<b>24</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> in the direction of the arrows.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a vertical section taken along the line <b>25</b>—<b>25</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> in the direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

0030For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

0031This application incorporates by reference the following U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/965,722, filed Nov. 7, 1997, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,924; Ser. No. 09/090,851, filed Jun. 4, 1998, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,763; Ser. No. 09/493,718, filed Jan. 28, 2000, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,423; Ser. No. 60/330,140, filed Oct. 17, 2001; Ser. No. 10/107,694, filed Mar. 27, 2002; Ser. No. 60/368,243, filed Mar. 28, 2002; Ser. No. 60/389,193, filed Jun. 17, 2002; and Ser. No. 10/228,236, filed Aug. 26, 2002.

0032The present invention pertains to improved methods and apparatus for containers. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is a container of semi-rigid paper or cardboard walls which includes within it a roll of flexible film, such as the type of film used by consumers to cover an object that has food on it. The flexible film held within this container is wrapped on a roll and must be cut to the desired length by the consumer. In one embodiment of the present invention, a tracked, slidable cutter is positioned along an open edge of the container. The flexible film can be drawn out of the container by the consumer and placed over a track along one edge of the container. The consumer then moves the slidable cutter along the track, cutting the flexible film to the desired length. In some embodiments of the present invention, the slidable cutter moves along a rigid track. In another embodiment of the present invention, the slidable cutter moves along a pair of flexible interengagable strips or members. In some embodiments, the strips are fastened to each other at each end of the path of the slidable cutter. In yet other embodiments, the strips are fastened to each other at only one end, and are not fastened to each other at any other position along the length of the cutter path.

0033According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is a preferably flexible container, such as a stand up pouch, preferably including one or more folding gussets along one of the sides. This container includes a mouth through which a consumer can remove contents of the container, or add something to the container. A pair of interlockable fastener profiles, which can be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid, extend along the mouth. A slider is coupled to the profiles, and can be slid along the length thereof for repeated unlocking and interlocking of the profiles. In one embodiment, the profiles are fused together at one end, and are not otherwise attached to each other along their length, except for the engagement that occurs as a result of the interlocking of the profiles. The unattached end of interlockable fastener strips is positioned at the end of the container which is intended to be the opened end of the container. When the slider is moved from this unattached end toward the fused end of the interlockable fastener strips, the extent to which the mouth of the container can be opened is not limited or constrained by the fastener strips, since the fastener strips are not attached to each other.

0034In one embodiment of the present invention, the unattached and uncoupled ends of the fastener profile are along a side of a container that includes a folding gusset which can be folded outward to form a pouring spout. The opened width of the spout is greater than the width that could be obtained if the fastener profiles were coupled to each other at the spout end. The present invention also contemplates those embodiments which do not include any side gussets, and which are not stand up pouches.

0035Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>2</b>, and <b>3</b>, an apparatus <b>30</b> is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus <b>30</b> includes a container <b>32</b> having an opening <b>34</b>. A supply <b>35</b> of flexible film is located within container <b>32</b>. In one embodiment, container <b>32</b> is comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid cardboard walls <b>37</b>, and the flexible film is a low density polyethylene film suitable for covering and storing food. However, the present invention is not so limited and contemplates container walls of any type, including both rigid and flexible types. Further, the contents of the container can be any type of sheet or film, including plastic, paper, and metal foil, as examples. Further, the supply can be on a roll, and can also be folded or otherwise stored within the container.

0036Container <b>32</b> includes an edge <b>38</b> along a wall <b>37</b>. As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a cutting assembly <b>40</b> is mounted along the length of edge <b>38</b>. Cutting assembly <b>40</b> includes a cutting guide <b>42</b> (as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). Cutting guide <b>42</b> defines an internal track <b>44</b>. Track <b>44</b> is closed at each end, having first and second track endstops <b>46</b> and <b>48</b>.

0037As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, cutting assembly <b>40</b> is coupled proximate to edge <b>38</b> by a first adherent surface coating <b>50</b> which is applied to one surface of a lip <b>57</b>. Cutting assembly <b>40</b> preferably includes a first removable cover <b>52</b> which is located along adherent surface coating <b>50</b> prior to attachment of track <b>44</b> to wall <b>37</b>. In one embodiment of the present invention, cutting assembly <b>40</b> is stored within container <b>32</b> when apparatus <b>30</b> is first presented to a consumer for purchase, or before apparatus <b>30</b> is used for its supply <b>35</b> of film. In this embodiment, the user or consumer opens a new container <b>32</b>, removes cutting assembly <b>40</b> from the interior of the container, and removes first cover <b>52</b> from first adherent surface coating <b>50</b>. The consumer or user then locates cutting assembly <b>40</b> along the length of edge <b>38</b> proximate to container opening <b>34</b>. Surface coating <b>50</b> maintains cutting assembly <b>40</b> in the adhered position along edge <b>38</b> (as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) preferably until the supply <b>35</b> of flexible film is exhausted. Although what has been shown and described is a cutting assembly stored within the container prior to first use, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which one or more portions of the cutting assembly are attached to the container prior to usage of the container by the consumer.

0038Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, cutting assembly <b>40</b> preferably includes a second adherent surface coating <b>54</b> placed adjacent to the opening of track <b>44</b>. Prior to usage of cutting assembly <b>40</b>, a second removable cover <b>56</b> protects adherent surface coating <b>54</b>. After cutting assembly <b>40</b> has been adhered along edge <b>38</b>, the user removes cover <b>56</b> and exposes adherent surface coating <b>54</b>. As the free edge <b>36</b> of the supply <b>35</b> of film is withdrawn from container <b>32</b>, the film can be adhered to coating <b>54</b> by the user at a location that relates to the desired cut width of the film. In some embodiments, cutting guide <b>42</b> includes a second adhesive layer <b>54</b>.<b>1</b>, such that adhesive layers <b>54</b> and <b>54</b>.<b>1</b> are located on either side of the opening of track <b>44</b>. After removal of covers <b>56</b> and <b>56</b>.<b>1</b>, the exposed adherent surfaces can be used to hold stationary the film to be cut.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> depicts an alternate cutting guide <b>42</b> according to another embodiment of the present invention. The use of a prime (′) designation after an element number (XX′) refers to a feature of the invention that is the same as the non-prime feature (XX) previously described except for those differences shown and described hereafter. Cutting guide <b>42</b>′ includes a second lip <b>58</b> spaced apart from first lip <b>57</b>′ so as to form a slot <b>59</b> therebetween. Slot <b>59</b> is adapted and configured to accept therein free edge <b>38</b> of container <b>32</b>. In some embodiments, the surfaces forming slot <b>59</b> are smooth and uncoated, whereas in other embodiments, one or more surfaces of slot <b>59</b> include an adherent coating.

0040Cutting assembly <b>40</b> preferably includes a slidable cutter <b>70</b>, as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12</figref>, <b>13</b>, and <b>14</b>. Cutter <b>70</b> includes a cutting element <b>72</b> located at the narrow end of a converging guide defined by walls <b>76</b><i>a </i>and <b>76</b><i>b</i>. Slidable cutter <b>70</b> includes a body <b>78</b> which is adapted and configured to slide within track <b>44</b>. A fingergrip <b>74</b> extends outward from body <b>78</b>.

0041Cutter <b>70</b> is slidable within and retained within track <b>44</b> of cutting guide <b>42</b> along the length thereof. Track endstops <b>46</b> and <b>48</b> prevent cutter <b>70</b> from sliding free of track <b>44</b>. The outwardly extending flanges of body <b>78</b> are preferably freely slidable within track <b>44</b>. Finger grip <b>74</b> may be of any configuration suitable for gripping with the finger of the hand of the user. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, cutting element <b>72</b> preferably includes a sharp edge which faces toward the diverging portion of converging guide <b>76</b>. In one embodiment, cutting element <b>72</b> includes a sharp-edged metal surface, although the present invention contemplates any cutting edge fabricated from any type of material which is sufficiently sharp to cut the film contained within container <b>32</b>. In one embodiment, cutting element <b>72</b> is oriented at about a right angle relative to the path of track <b>44</b>. However, as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, an alternate slidable cutter <b>70</b>′ includes a cutting element <b>72</b>′ which is oriented at an acute angle relative to track <b>44</b>. By placing cutting element <b>72</b>′ at a non-perpendicular angle relative to track <b>44</b>, movement of the cutter within the track places additional shearing action on the film to be cut.

0042Operation of apparatus <b>30</b> is as follows. A consumer opens container <b>32</b> and grabs free edge <b>36</b> of the supply <b>35</b> of film. The free edge is brought out of container <b>32</b>, placed over the top surface of cutting guide <b>42</b>, and temporarily adhered to adherent surface coating <b>54</b> in order to maintain the film in place. Slidable cutter <b>70</b> is then moved by the user along track <b>44</b> from endstop <b>46</b> toward endstop <b>48</b>. As the sliding motion occurs, the portion of film extending across the open mouth of track <b>44</b> slides between converging surfaces <b>76</b><i>a </i>and <b>76</b><i>b </i>(<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>) and is thereby fed toward cutting element <b>72</b>. Cutting element <b>72</b> cuts the film as cutter <b>70</b> slides toward endstop <b>48</b>. After the film has been cut, slider <b>70</b> is returned back to a home position near endstop <b>46</b> in preparation for the next cutting of the film.

0043Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6</figref>, <b>7</b>, and <b>8</b>, an apparatus <b>130</b> is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The use of a one hundred series prefix (1 XX) before an element number (XX) refers to a feature of the invention that is the same as the non-prefixed feature (XX) previously shown and described except for those differences shown and described hereafter. Apparatus <b>130</b> includes a container <b>132</b> having an opening <b>134</b>. A supply <b>135</b> of flexible film is located within container <b>132</b>. In one embodiment, container <b>132</b> is comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid cardboard walls <b>137</b>, and the flexible film is a low density polyethylene film suitable for covering and storing food.

0044Container <b>132</b> includes an edge <b>138</b> along a wall <b>137</b>. As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 8</figref>, a cutting assembly <b>140</b> is mounted along the length of edge <b>138</b>. Cutting assembly <b>140</b> includes a cutting guide <b>142</b> (as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>). Cutting guide <b>142</b> includes a second lip <b>158</b> spaced apart from a first lip <b>157</b> so as to form a slot <b>159</b> therebetween. Slot <b>159</b> is adapted and configured to accept therein free edge <b>138</b> of container <b>132</b>. In some embodiments, the consumer opens a new container <b>132</b>, removes cutting assembly <b>140</b> from the interior of the container, and then places free edge <b>138</b> of wall <b>137</b> within slot <b>159</b>. In some embodiments, wall <b>137</b> is retained within slot <b>159</b> by friction; whereas in other embodiments, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or the like can be used to attach cutting assembly <b>140</b> along edge <b>138</b>. Further, the present invention contemplates those embodiments in which the cutting assembly is integrally cast or molded onto a wall of the container.

0045Apparatus <b>130</b> includes a cutting assembly <b>140</b>. Cutting assembly <b>140</b> includes a cutting guide <b>142</b> and a slidable cutter <b>170</b>. As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 15</figref>, cutting guide <b>142</b> includes a first, lower gripping member <b>143</b> and a second, upper, preferably flexible gripping member <b>144</b>. Cutting guide <b>142</b> preferably includes a second flexible gripping member <b>144</b> located above the lower first gripping member <b>143</b>. Each gripping member <b>143</b> and <b>144</b> preferably includes one or more mating or alignment features on the inner, opposing faces of the gripping members. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, lower gripping member <b>143</b> is shown with a projecting male mating feature <b>145</b><i>b</i>. Upper gripping member <b>144</b> is shown with a corresponding female mating feature <b>145</b><i>a</i>. These mating features are preferably complementary in shape, although the present invention contemplates those embodiments in which the mating features are not complementary, but in which the male feature fits within a portion of the female feature. Further, the present invention contemplates those embodiments in which the male mating feature can be on either the upper gripping or the lower gripping member. Further, the present invention contemplates those embodiments in which the gripping members include multiple male and female mating features. The present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which only one of the gripping members includes a male feature, and the opposing surface of the other gripping member does not having a corresponding female mating feature.

0046As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>, the first and second gripping members <b>143</b> and <b>144</b> are joined together at a combined endstop <b>146</b> located at one end of the length of the gripping members. The members may be attached to each other in any manner, including fusion by ultrasonics and/or heat, riveting, or use of adhesive, as examples. In one embodiment, the opposing end of the length of lower gripping member <b>143</b> does not include an endstop, although the present invention contemplates those embodiments in which an endstop is included. Preferably, the opposing end of upper gripping member <b>144</b> includes a single endstop <b>148</b>. Endstops <b>146</b> and <b>148</b> limit the sliding movement of slidable cutter <b>170</b> along their length. In one embodiment, gripping members <b>143</b> and <b>144</b> are not connected to each other except at combined endstop <b>146</b>, and except by the squeezing action of slidable cutter <b>170</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, in one embodiment upper gripping member <b>144</b> is flexible, and when cutter <b>170</b> is placed near endstop <b>146</b>, member <b>144</b> can be flexibly separated from lower gripping member <b>146</b> and spaced apart from lower gripping member <b>143</b>. However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which upper gripping member <b>144</b> is rigid or semi-rigid and includes a hinging section (not shown) near endstop <b>146</b> which permits pivoting motion of gripping member <b>144</b> away from gripping member <b>143</b>.

0047Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 15</figref>, slidable cutter <b>170</b> is slidable along the length of gripping members <b>143</b> and <b>144</b>. Each gripping member includes a shoulder <b>149</b> which protrudes outwardly from the respective gripping member. Slidable cutter <b>170</b> includes a pair of inwardly depending external feet <b>186</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>) which co-act with shoulders <b>149</b> to make it difficult to pull cutter <b>170</b> off the gripping members.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9</figref>, <b>10</b>, and <b>11</b> depict various views of slidable cutter <b>170</b>. Cutter <b>170</b> includes a cutting element <b>172</b> located within the converging end of a slot defined by converging walls <b>176</b><i>a </i>and <b>176</b><i>b</i>. Cutter <b>170</b> includes a finger grip <b>174</b> attached to a body <b>178</b>. Body <b>178</b> includes upper and lower walls <b>180</b><i>a </i>and <b>180</b><i>b </i>which slide over the outward faces of gripping members <b>143</b> and <b>144</b>, respectively (as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>). Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>, a pair of internal ribs <b>182</b><i>a </i>and <b>182</b><i>b </i>depend inwardly from upper and lower walls <b>180</b><i>a </i>and <b>180</b><i>b</i>, respectively, and toward each other. In some embodiments of the present invention, cutting element <b>170</b> includes a separator <b>184</b> located within the interior of body <b>178</b>. Separator <b>184</b> includes a narrow end useful for prying between interior facing surfaces of gripping members <b>143</b> and <b>144</b>, and a wider end for separating apart gripping members <b>143</b> and <b>144</b>.

0049Operation of apparatus <b>130</b> is as follows. A consumer opens container <b>132</b> and grabs free edge <b>136</b> of supply <b>135</b> of film. Upper gripping member <b>144</b> is moved away from lower gripping member <b>143</b>, and the free end <b>136</b> from the supply <b>135</b> of film is placed on top of lower gripping member <b>143</b>. Upper gripping member <b>144</b> is then released such that free edge <b>136</b> is loosely sandwiched between opposing faces of the gripping members. In order to cut the film, sliding cutter <b>170</b> is moved from combined endstops <b>146</b> toward single endstop <b>148</b>. As the gripping members slide within the interior of cutting element <b>170</b>, internal ribs <b>182</b><i>a </i>and <b>182</b><i>b </i>press the gripping members together. The film is held in place by friction from the mating faces of the gripping members. The co-action of male mating feature <b>145</b><i>b </i>within female mating feature <b>145</b><i>a </i>increases the frictional hold of the gripping members on the film. Gripping members <b>143</b> and <b>144</b> securely hold the film as cutting element <b>172</b> cuts the film. In some embodiments of the present invention, gripping members <b>143</b> and <b>144</b> include interlockable profile elements. In these embodiments, separator <b>184</b> of cutter <b>70</b> assists in releasing the interlock of the profile members.

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 and 17</figref> depict an apparatus <b>1030</b> according to another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus <b>1030</b> includes a stand up pouch container <b>1032</b> preferably fabricated from flexible or semi-rigid material. Container <b>1032</b> can contain any type of contents, including for example, a drink, candy, potting soil, or other pourable material. Container <b>1032</b> includes a mouth <b>1034</b> which is generally opposite of a bottom <b>1035</b><i>a</i>. In some embodiments, container <b>1032</b> includes a bottom <b>1035</b><i>a </i>adapted and configured to permit container <b>1032</b> to stand. A pair of sidewalls <b>1035</b><i>b </i>and <b>1035</b><i>c </i>extend from mouth <b>1034</b> to the bottom <b>1035</b><i>a</i>. Preferably, container <b>1032</b> includes at least one side <b>1036</b> having an unbroken folding side gusset.

0051Preferably, container <b>1032</b> includes a pair of extended lips <b>1039</b> which extend from mouth <b>1034</b> upwardly toward a pair of interlockable fastener strips <b>1043</b> and <b>1044</b>. Fastener strip <b>1043</b> includes a first interlockable profile <b>1045</b><i>a</i>, and second interlockable fastener strip <b>1044</b> includes a second interlockable profile <b>1045</b><i>b</i>. Interlockable profiles <b>1045</b><i>a </i>and <b>1045</b><i>b </i>may be of any type easily interlockable and separable. Fastener strips <b>1043</b> and <b>1044</b> are preferably joined together at combined endstop <b>1046</b> by any suitable means including fusion by ultrasonics and/or heat, adhesion and mechanical joining. In one embodiment, fastener strips <b>1043</b> and <b>1044</b> are not otherwise joined or coupled together, except at combined endstop <b>1046</b> and except as by action of a movable slider <b>1070</b>. Slider <b>1070</b> is slidably coupled to fastener strips <b>1043</b> and <b>1044</b>. Movement of slider <b>1070</b> in a first direction interlocks profiles <b>1045</b><i>a </i>and <b>1045</b><i>b</i>. Movement of slider <b>1070</b> in the opposite direction unlocks profiles <b>1045</b><i>a </i>and <b>1045</b><i>b </i>from each other. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, in some embodiments of the present invention, only one of the fastener strips includes an endstop <b>1048</b> to prevent disengagement of slider <b>1070</b> from the fastener strips. However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which each fastener strip includes a single endstop <b>1048</b>.

0052In some embodiments, mouth <b>1034</b> of container <b>1032</b> includes one or more areas including a peelable seal, as shown in cross-hatch in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>. In some embodiments, peel seal <b>1038</b> extends in the inner surface of mouth <b>1034</b> along the length of container <b>1032</b>. Further, in some embodiments, peel seal <b>1034</b> extends on both inner and outer surfaces of the top of side gusset <b>1036</b>. In some embodiments, peel seal <b>1038</b> is a one-time peel seal which does not rejoin to itself after opening of container <b>1032</b> and initial separation of mouth <b>1034</b>. However, in other embodiments, peel seal <b>1034</b> retains an ability to adhere to itself during subsequent reclosing of container <b>1032</b>.

0053As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, movement of slider <b>1070</b> along fastener strips <b>1043</b> and <b>1044</b> toward the leftward end (as viewed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) results in interlocking of the fastener strips, and closure of mouth <b>1034</b>. Folding side gusset <b>1036</b> is tucked in toward the interior of container <b>1032</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, movement of slider <b>1070</b> toward the rightward and (as viewed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>) results in the unlocking of fastener strips <b>1043</b> and <b>1044</b>. Since the fastener strips are not attached to each other at the leftward end of container <b>1032</b>, mouth <b>1034</b> can be spread apart and folding side gusset <b>1036</b> can be pulled outward to form a pouring spout <b>1037</b>. Spout <b>1037</b> provides accurate, convenient means for the consumer to pour contents from the interior of container <b>1032</b>.

0054A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>. The container <b>1055</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is identical to the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 and 17</figref> except for the fact that the upper edge <b>1050</b> of the unbroken folding side gusset extends upwardly a greater extent than the folding side gusset <b>1036</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>. Thus in some embodiments of the invention the material of which the container is made may be a single sheet of plastic in which the upper edge of the sheet is straight across including the upper edge <b>1050</b> of the gusset and the portion of the sheet attached to the interlockable profiles <b>1045</b><i>a </i>and <b>1045</b><i>b. </i>

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> shows one example of a slider <b>1070</b>, interlockable profile <b>1045</b><i>a </i>and <b>1045</b><i>b </i>and plastic sheet <b>1056</b> that might be used in the container <b>1055</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24 and 25</figref> show sections taken in the direction of the arrows along the lines <b>24</b>—<b>24</b> and <b>25</b>—<b>25</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>. The slider <b>1070</b> straddles the interlockable fastener strips <b>1043</b> and <b>1044</b>. The slider has a fixed separator member <b>1057</b> which extends down between the profiles <b>1045</b><i>a </i>and <b>1045</b><i>b </i>for the purpose of separating them and opening the mouth of the container when the slider is moved to the right as viewed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 23</figref>. When the slider is moved leftwardly as viewed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 23</figref>, the slider functions to close the profile elements and to connect them as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>.

0056The apparatus has various alternative versions. As mentioned, one embodiment includes the end stop <b>1048</b> which prevents the slider from coming off the fastener strip <b>1043</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> there is illustrated a container <b>1060</b> which is identical to the container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> but has no end stop <b>1048</b>. Thus the slider <b>1070</b> is removable from the fastener strips <b>1043</b> and <b>1044</b> as suggested by arrow <b>1060</b>. In other respects the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is identical to the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>. Further examples of the invention are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21 and 22</figref> which are identical to the embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19 and 20</figref> with the exception that they are not standup containers; however, they both have the same pour spout capability of the containers of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19 and 20</figref>.

0057In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus comprising a container of sheet material, the container including an opening for removing sheet material and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a track and a cutting element slidable within the track. The cutting element is adapted and configured for cutting of the sheet material.

0058Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns an apparatus comprising a container, a cutter, and a cutting guide. The container includes a wall having an edge. The cutting guide is attached to the container proximate the edge. The cutting element co-acts with the cutting guide so that the cutting element and cutting guide are slidably captured together.

0059Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns an apparatus comprising a flexible reclosable container having a pair of sidewalls, a bottom, and a mouth opposite the bottom. Located along opposing sides of the mouth are first and second interlockable fastener strips. The fastener strips are joined to each other at one end of the mouth. The strips are not joined to each other at the other end of the mouth. Some embodiments of the invention further include a slider for repeated locking and unlocking of the interlockable fastener strips.

0060Yet another embodiment of the present invention pertains to a flexible reclosable container arranged and configured to have a generally flat bottom on which the container can stand. One side of the container includes a folding gusset. The mouth of the container includes a pair of interlockable fastener strips which are joined together at one end, and not joined together at the other end. When the fastener strips are separated, the side gusset can be unfolded to an exterior position whereby the top of the gusset proximate to the mouth of the bag forms a spout for pouring contents from the interior of the container.

0061While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.